Uk-Poker.co.uk

This year’s World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas is proving extremely fruitful for British players. Following in the footsteps of James Dempsey, Praz Bansi and Richard Ashby, Englishman Mike Ellis has secured this country’s fourth bracelet of the year after winning Event 30. The $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em event comprised a large field of 2,395 players including Ellis, who, in the process of claiming his first ever WSOP bracelet, won $581,851 in prize money. Ellis is regarded as one of the finest UK online poker players of his generation, but is certainly no stranger to real world poker tournaments.

In fact, Ellis has proved his worth in a number of major UK poker tournaments and is a former GUKPT Grand Final Champion, which is in itself an impressive achievement. Furthermore, as with so many British players, Ellis is a proven winner abroad and, prior to his bracelet win last week, the poker pro has enjoyed five cash finishes in the WSOP, which is held annually in Las Vegas. By claiming victory in Event 30, Ellis scooped the largest payday of his poker career to date, with the £197,600 he won for the GUKPT Grand Final crown coming a close second.

As might be expected of a prestigious WSOP event comprising a large field of players, Ellis was required to work hard for his bracelet. Following a long and cagey heads-up battle with Christopher Gonzales, who finished second, the Englishman finally prevailed against one of the strongest hands seen on the final day. Re-raising on the button with pocket aces, Gonzales appeared to be in full control when J(D)-7(S)-6(D) emerged on the flop. After careful consideration, Ellis called Gonzales’ bet of 1,255,000 to reveal a five of diamonds on the turn. Gonzales moved all-in and Ellis, with A-10 suited, called to take the victory with the nut flush.